Letters to the Editor - 5/31/07

Thursday

May 31, 2007 at 3:15 AM

There is alternative to high gas prices

Editor, the Citizen:

I am sure that millions received the notice several weeks ago not to purchase gasoline on May 15. This was just a token effort to let Exxon-Mobil and others know that we are very upset with the high prices of gasoline. In the final analysis, despite all of the reasons cited as to why prices are so high, I believe that "GREED" is the main reason for the high prices. With the profits of Exxon-Mobil and the others, why could there not be some concern voiced by them for us in some relief of the very high prices? It would be nice if something were to happen in more positive ways.

We are often a public, though, that wears blinders. Our dependency on the automobile, no matter what the price of gasoline, takes precedence over the possible "more positive ways" which I believe should include the revitalization of "rail" here in the northeast and here in New Hampshire.

As far as "rail" is concerned, we are number 48 in the nation. Only two states are behind us. Rhode Island and Hawaii are 49 and 50, respectively. (I think that Rhode Island has moved ahead of us, actually. It is interesting to note that Vermont is 30th. Vermont is favorable to "rail.") If the one very successful "rail" accomplishment here in New Hampshire could be expanded even just a trifle, we would begin to realize that, "Hey, perhaps we can eventually - somehow - do something about the dependency on the automobile and gasoline prices and realize, too, a more friendly environment." The "Downeaster" is the success story. In fact, the Amtrak that runs from Boston to Portland, through southeastern New Hampshire, has the highest rate of passenger ridership increase of all the Amtrak routes nationwide.

There is an organization that is working for the revitalization of "rail" here in New Hampshire. Even if the "revitalization" is in the written word and in comments only, initially, it is a beginning. The organization is the New Hampshire Railroad Revitalization Association - NHRRA.org. I believe that it is inevitable that there will be a return to "rail," and this will be so appreciated by senior citizens, those who fight traffic every weekday morning and evening, all of us who want a cleaner environment, all of us who want to do something about the high price of gasoline and all who want to see New Hampshire's economy improve with a balanced transportation system. The NHRRA is committed to "rail" revitalization and a balanced transportation system. Perhaps we can all think of the possibilities the next time we are in traffic and the next time we spend $40. to fill the tank.

Winthrop H. Buswell

Loudon

Salary flap is unwarranted

Editor, The Citizen:

I have been a volunteer at LRGH for 16 years. During that time I have worked in many different areas of the hospital and have witnessed many and varied changes within the confines of the building, as well as in the communities at large that it serves. Always Tom Clairmont has been a constant through it all.

This "flap" over administrative salaries at the hospital is unwarranted and, in my view, a bit of jealousy. Methinks the detractors would themselves like to be making salaries on a par. I would like to see any one of them step up and do the job that Tom does. I truly believe that if Tom Clairmont were not at the head of our hospital we would no longer have it and the quality of care it provides, here in Laconia. Fact in point is the manner in which he stepped in and rescued Franklin Regional Hospital from disappearing.

The work that Tom and the other administrators do in our communities, over and above their positions at the hospital is commendable and should be a "point of light" for all of us. Tom stands tall in our town and should be receiving accolades for a job well done, rather than the denigration from outsiders who obviously have no conception of the work that he does and the hours he must spend to accomplish that work.

Our hospital and our communities would be very much different places without Tom, and all our administrators, good works.

I sincerely hope they will all continue for many years to maintain the high standard of quality care and concern that people have come to expect, and find when they are patients at LRGH. I can speak to that, as I have been a the beneficiary of that care on several occasions.

They are all certainly worth much more to our communities than what they are paid financially, considering the excellence of all the work they do.

Bette Helfrich

Gilford

Banners, ties and caps

Editor, the Citizen

Being a WWII Veteran, my parents put a Blue Star Banner in a window with two stars, representing my brother and I being in the service. It is disheartening that it isn't publicized enough, to let families know about them. Banners are also obtained with gold stars, representing those killed in action. I certainly would like to be informed about them if I didn't know.

Cooling ties and caps are used by our servicemen and women over in Iraq and Afghanistan to help them be a little cooler in the 140 degree heat. They are obtainable to send to the troops from different sources.

My only interest in writing this letter, is to help people know about them.

Allan E. Gurney

West Alton

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